TODAY

Ratho Adventure Center

and Country Park

beside the Union Canal on the western outskirts of Edinburgh

Background

The Ratho Adventure Centre was created by three Edinburgh climbers, at a cost of almost £30m, in an old quarry close to the Union Canal on the western outskirts of Edinburgh.  The centre included:

-   the world's largest indoor climbing wall.

-   Europe's largest suspended aerial adventure course.

-   a gym.

-   conference facilities and a restaurant.

The centre opened in December 2003, but had financial problems and has went into receivership 4 months later.

Rescue

Edinburgh City Council is to lead a bid to buy the centre for £5m then spend a further £3m developing it.  New facilities is expected to include;

-  a swimming pool and scuba diving training facilities.

-  a children's play area.

Longer term developments might also include

-  a hotel.

-  an adventure park.

-  a link to the Union Canal.

Scotland on Sunday:  21 November 2004
Edinburgh Evening News, 23 November 2004
 Herald & Post, 25 November 2004:  p.16

Country Park

Edinburgh City Council announced £15m plans for Ratho Quarry in March 2006.  They propose to build 117 houses on the western edge of the quarry and to create a country park, linked to the adventure centre.

The 26 hectare park would park would have a small loch, possibly for boating, and a marina linked to the Union Canal.

If planning permission is granted in March  2006, the development could start in April 2007 and be completed in 2008.

Edinburgh Evening News, March 24, 2006,  p.23.